Jamie Carragher says fans should not feel sorry for Joe Hart

It has been a tough summer for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, considering the criticism he received for his performances for England at Euro 2016 and subsequently being dropped by new boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

Some would consider him unlucky and harshly treated by the former Barcelona boss, however, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has told fans to stop feeling sorry for the 29-year-old, and insists the England international has had plenty of opportunities to try and work his way into Guardiola's plans.

It is no secret that the Spaniard is looking to bring in Claudio Bravo from Barcelona, as Hart's replacement, given his far superior ability to play the ball out from the back with his feet - a technicality that Hart has yet to master.

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Luckily former City boss Manuel Pellegrini was more lenient with his requirements of goalkeepers, considering he, too, worked in Spain where there is a tendency for goalkeepers to be technically proficient with their feet.

However, Carragher has questioned whether Hart has done all he can in training in order to equip himself sufficiently to stand a chance of getting into Guardiola's starting XI.

"Was Hart studying videos of Neuer and Victor Valdes to see what Guardiola wants from a 'sweeper keeper' when the team plays such a high line?" Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail. "Was he going out on to the training ground, working on his left foot and his touch? There were extra things that he could have done to give himself a head start."

It had been common knowledge for months, prior to Guardiola's arrival at the Etihad, that the Spaniard was on his way to City this summer, and Carragher believe's Hart should have seen this coming.

But the defender turned Sky Sports pundit has also identified the ruthless nature of football as a reason why fans should not be shocked by the question marks over Hart's future at City.

Ruthless

"Why is that a lack of respect?" Carragher continued. "This is football. Situations such as these happen all the time.

"Yes, you can call it ruthless. But should you be surprised? What Guardiola has done isn't out of character.

"Nobody can say they didn't see this coming. There were noises coming out of Spain as long ago as February that Guardiola wanted to sign either Claudio Bravo or Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"Gary Neville said on Monday Night Football that Hart should stay at City, that he should work on his feet and work with Guardiola to improve, but why did Hart not improve before he came? It was an open secret for 12 months he was coming to Manchester, one which was confirmed on February 1."

Guardiola isn't the only Spanish boss to have opted for good ball-playing 'keepers in favour of English shot-stoppers. Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, too, preferred goalkeepers to be good with their feet, as as Carragher revealed, "he would ask why they dived all over the place in training".

Loan switch

Everton have been linked with a loan move for Hart, although Carragher admits he would love to see the City goalkeeper arrive on the red side of Merseyside.

"Speaking as a Liverpool fan, I would love to see him come to Anfield. I remember his performance at the Nou Camp in the Champions League in March 2015. It was unbelievable," said Carragher.

Sevilla are reportedly interested in Hart, although, it is claimed Jorge Sampaoli is also concerned with the Englishman's ability to play with the ball at his feet. And the former Birmingham loanee is now desperately looking for the opportunity to end his ten-year spell with the club, in order to gain regular first-team football.

"Hart isn't the first to suffer such a sudden change of position." Carragher added. "He certainly won't be the last, either."

Can Joe Hart pursue a successful career outside of the Premier League? Give your opinion in the comment box below.

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